Junior bidding to be King for a day at Kempton

Junior will attempt to drag the stamina out of the opposition when he aims to justify a late entry for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

Owners Middleham Park Racing stumped up £10,000 to add the David Pipe-trained nine-year-old to the field at the confirmation stage and believe they can a get run for their money.

Junior, a rare winner at both the CheltenhamFestival and Royal Ascot, showed his well-being when winning the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle on his first run since he fell at the second fence in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in April.

"I don't think it's a classic King George - no Kauto Star, no Denman - and I fancy our chances," said Nick Bradley, spokesman for owners Middleham Park Racing.

"There is no obvious front-runner in the race, other than ourselves. He'll get a tap in the belly and away we go.